Both men looked at her, confused.
> "I saw it today," she continued. "On his shelf. Still shining—polished like it's the only thing he cares about anymore."
Ronav's eyes widened slightly.
> "Even today…?"
Yanaki blinked once, confirming without words.
Nirav looked between them, puzzled.
> "Whose watch is it?"
Ronav's voice was low, almost a whisper.
> "His one-time best friend's."
Yanaki added, her tone filled with quiet sorrow,
> "That watch tells me he still can't accept that his friend is gone. That betrayal… broke something inside him."
Nirav lowered his head. He didn't understand everything, but he could feel the weight—the invisible grief pressing on all of them.
The three stood in silence, the dim corridor echoing faintly with the sound of dripping water from the leaking pipe nearby—like the slow heartbeat of a memory that refused to die.
The hum of the flying car echoed softly against the roaring wind. Sunlight spilled through the transparent dome as they ascended higher — through mist, then white clouds glowing like molten gold.
Inside, a young boy pressed his face to the window, eyes wide with wonder.
Outside, ribbons of color shimmered — a rainbow blooming between layers of cloud. The boy stretched out his hand, laughing as if he could catch it.
His father smiled, watching from the pilot's seat.
> "We'll be there soon, son. The City of Astra-Kor."
The boy turned, excitement lighting his eyes.
> "Where the great academy is, right? Guru Maheshwar's Academy?"
> "Yes," his father replied proudly. "The heart of knowledge… and power."
The car pierced through the last veil of cloud — and the world unfolded before them.
🌌 The Citadel of the Void: Aethel-Khar
Set your doubts aside. Look closer.
We are not drifting through open sky — we are entering the orbital city of Aethel-Khar, the greatest, and most dangerous, creation of the Mechanist-Kings.
It hangs suspended above the world like a metallic sun — an entire civilization floating on the edge of the stratosphere.
At its heart lies the Great Core — an armored sphere of dull, light-absorbing metal, its surface forged from a million overlapping plates, each engraved with the sigils of vanished gods. The air trembles with the hum of the fusion engines buried deep within.
Around the Core stretch vast metallic bridges — the Arteries of Aethel-Khar — extending for kilometers into the horizon. Along them, gleaming towers rise like blades, their mirrored sides catching the fire of twin suns.
The outer rings glimmer — these are the Gilded Rims, where the high scholars, technomancers, and noble families reside. From their crystal terraces, one can gaze down into the storming abyss below — a swirling ocean of clouds and ether.
Lower still lies the Foundry Quarter, the city's mechanical heart. There, thunder never ceases; sparks of molten steel fly as the Forgemasters maintain the engines that keep the city aloft.
And at the base of it all — a lonely platform tethered to the void — lies the Outer Watch-Plaza, where the Void Hunters gather before venturing beyond the known sky.
This is Aethel-Khar, the capital of Astra-Kor — a city that survives between heaven and the abyss.
Where magic meets machine.
Where legends are born… and forgotten.
The flying car slowed as it approached a colossal gateway made of radiant silver and humming blue runes. Two figures stood guard—humanoid at first glance, but not quite human. Their skin shimmered faintly, and their eyes glowed like glass orbs filled with starlight.
One of them raised his hand, chanting in a soft, echoing tone,
> "Communication — Grant."
A flicker of light pulsed through the air. His alien voice transformed instantly into perfect English.
> "Show your entry card," the guard said calmly.
The man in the pilot seat nodded and held up a small translucent card etched with glowing geometric patterns. The gate scanned it with a vertical beam of light.
> "Access confirmed," the guard intoned.
With a deep, resonant hum, the gates opened. A luminous path of energy formed in the air, and the car drifted forward—past the threshold between the mundane and the magnificent.
As they entered, the boy gasped.
Before them stretched a breathtaking vista — a floating archipelago of islands, suspended high above the world. Rivers of water cascaded down from the floating cliffs, falling in endless streams that shimmered like liquid diamonds before vanishing into the mist below.
On the largest island stood a sprawling city — a fusion of nature, magic, and alien technology. Towering buildings of glass and light intertwined with living trees whose leaves glowed with gentle bioluminescence. Bridges of energy connected the islands, pulsating softly as travelers crossed them.
The car descended lower, gliding past floating platforms and sky-gardens. On the streets below, humans and alien species moved side by side — laughing, talking, trading, and training.
The boy's eyes widened as he saw a squad of cadets riding flying unicorns, their wings scattering trails of rainbow dust in the air. A group of armored guards soared by on mechanical dragons, their metallic wings slicing the sky with rhythmic precision.
Nearby, a group of alien children floated midair, surrounded by rings of energy as they practiced telekinetic spells under the guidance of an instructor.
The boy pressed his hands against the glass, unable to look away.
> "Dad… this place—it's like a dream!"
His father smiled faintly, his eyes reflecting both pride and nostalgia.
> "Yes. This is Guru Maheshwar's city — the place where mages, warriors, and dreamers come to shape the future."
The car tilted upward slightly, heading toward the largest floating island, where a colossal spire pierced the clouds — the Guru Maheshwar Academy, the heart of Astra-Kor.
On other side onver Earth something special about to happen.
a sleek black car glided through iron gates and rolled to a stop before a vast modern mansion. The estate looked like something between a palace and a fortress — its design regal yet futuristic, surrounded by perfectly trimmed lawns and marble fountains that glittered under the afternoon sun.
A hundred guards in black coats stood along the driveway, their posture sharp, their eyes alert. Knights in ceremonial armor patrolled the perimeter, their silver helmets gleaming in the light.
As the car door opened, Yanaki stepped out — elegant, poised, but her eyes carried the weight of command. The guards bowed slightly. The air shifted; even the birds quieted.
> "Welcome back, Lady Yanaki," one of the knights said respectfully.
Yanaki gave a brief nod and began walking down the cobblestone marble pathway, perfectly aligned through the middle of the garden. On both sides stretched a carpet of green grass, dotted with white and violet flowers swaying gently in the wind. Black iron lantern poles lined the path, their glass panels glinting under the sunlight.
Just then, her assistant Ruhi hurried beside her, a tablet in hand.
> "Ma'am, about today's meetings—"
Without slowing her pace, Yanaki asked, her tone calm but firm,
> "What's first on the schedule, Ruhi?"
Ruhi hesitated for a moment, glancing at her notes.
> "First, you're to meet Mrs. Maya. She… she hasn't been seen since last night."
Yanaki stopped mid-step. For the first time, a flicker of concern crossed her face. Her eyes narrowed, and her voice dropped, low and urgent.
> "Maya hasn't returned?"
Yanaki run with her all concerned towards mansion "Maya"! aa.. she yelled .